B1 English Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A notice on a bus reads: 'Priority seating is available for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers. Please offer your seat if requested.' What does this notice ask you to do?
- Pay extra for a priority seat
- Always stand during your journey
- Give up your seat to those who need it more if they ask (Correct answer)
- Only sit in priority seats if the bus is empty
Correct answer: Give up your seat to those who need it more if they ask
Priority seating is designated for vulnerable passengers. The notice asks other passengers to offer their seat when requested by someone who qualifies.
Question 2: You read in a tenancy agreement: 'The tenant must provide one calendar month's written notice before vacating the property. Notice must be received by the first of the month.' If you want to leave on 30th April, by when must you give notice?
- 1st April
- 30th March
- 1st March (Correct answer)
- 31st March
Correct answer: 1st March
Notice must be received by the first of the month, and one full calendar month is required. To leave on 30th April, notice must arrive by 1st March, giving one full calendar month (March) of notice.
Question 3: A supermarket receipt shows: 'Clubcard savings this shop: £3.45. Total Clubcard points earned: 127. Points expire 24 months from issue.' What happens to your points after 24 months?
- They double in value automatically
- They are converted to store vouchers
- They become invalid and can no longer be used (Correct answer)
- They transfer to a different loyalty scheme
Correct answer: They become invalid and can no longer be used
The receipt states points expire after 24 months, meaning they become invalid and worthless if not used within that timeframe.
Question 4: A workplace memo states: 'All staff must complete the mandatory fire safety training by 31st March. Failure to complete the training may result in disciplinary action.' What does 'mandatory' mean here?
- The training is optional but recommended
- The training is compulsory and must be completed (Correct answer)
- Only managers need to complete the training
- The training replaces the fire drill this year
Correct answer: The training is compulsory and must be completed
'Mandatory' means required or compulsory. The memo reinforces this by warning of disciplinary action for non-completion, confirming it is not optional.
Question 5: An instruction leaflet for medicine reads: 'Take one tablet twice daily with food. Do not exceed the stated dose. If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult your doctor.' How many tablets should you take per day?
- One tablet per day
- Two tablets per day (Correct answer)
- Three tablets per day
- As many as needed until symptoms stop
Correct answer: Two tablets per day
'One tablet twice daily' means taking one tablet two times a day, totalling two tablets per day. The instruction to not exceed the stated dose confirms this limit.
Question 6: A letter from HMRC reads: 'Your tax code for the year 2025-26 is 1257L. This means you can earn £12,570 before paying Income Tax. If you believe this is incorrect, contact us within 30 days.' What does the tax code 1257L represent?
- The amount of tax you must pay this year
- Your personal tax-free allowance for the year (Correct answer)
- Your National Insurance contribution rate
- The total income HMRC expects you to earn
Correct answer: Your personal tax-free allowance for the year
The letter explains that 1257L means you can earn £12,570 before paying tax — this is your personal allowance, the amount of income that is tax-free.
B1 English Reading Comprehension 2
A notice on a bus reads: 'Priority seating is available for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers.
Please offer your seat if requested.' What does this notice ask you to do?